5 Ways to Use Ceiling Panels for a Striking Design

Developing a room design that is not only effective but also stylish can be tricky. Decorative wood panels are one of the most fashionable and coveted interior decor trends, but many vendors’ offerings are uninspiring and lack the unique flair your clients are looking for. 

Wood ceiling panels can really bring a room to life when they are of high quality and used with creativity and vision, but proceed with care. Choosing the wrong panels may result in a dull interior space and money lost. 

So, how can you use wood ceiling panels in a striking and distinctive way? In this guide, we have included five examples of how ceiling panels can be part of a fashionable and practical design that lasts a lifetime.

Non-Matching Ceiling and Wall Panels

Ceiling panels don’t always have to exactly match wall panels. In fact, varying interior decorative surfaces can add a real flair to an indoor space when done well, such as in this stylish lobby.

These Vintage Oak ceiling and elevator walls from the Burl collection bring a warmth and cozy feeling to the space. To get the unique look of the ceiling, the panels were cut and the edges were bent to achieve the panel’s end appearance. Using this collection in combination with the Azure collection’s Iron Grey Leather paneling behind the desk creates a juxtaposition that compliments rather than clashes.  

Different wall and ceiling panel designs aren’t just for spaces like this example, however; this design technique can work just as well in the home, especially in rooms such as kitchens and dining rooms.

Horizontal Grooved Panels

Horizontal boards are a classic design feature. Styles like the traditional shiplap pattern are extremely popular for creating a rustic feel in a room, but panels with groove-like spacing between them can give a more modern effect, such as with this stunning ceiling pattern pictured above. 

Crafted with gorgeous Sonoma Oak from the Burl collection, these panels provide an interesting texture that works with the light and space of this large, multi-story interior. The result is striking yet undeniably classy — and it can be every bit as effective in smaller rooms as well.

Matching Ceiling and Wall Panels

While variety suits many interiors, consistency can be preferable in others. Using the same decorative wood panels for both walls and ceilings can give a clean, minimalism effect that works particularly well for spaces such as offices and conference rooms, where the attention needs to be on what’s being said, not what’s on the ceiling.

These Danish embedded grain panels from the Burlply collection give an amazing sense of space and lightness to this conference room, working alongside the glass doors to make what could have been a dark and dingy space extremely bright and spacious. What’s more, the plywood core of these panels is great for isolating heat and sound for comfort and privacy, perfect for a meeting room.

Matching Wall, Ceiling and Floor Panels

If you really want to go all out, why not match the floor panels to the wall and ceiling panels, too? The Burlply panels in Truffle Oak featured in this office space concept are constructed from TFL (Thermally-Fused Laminate), a material durable enough for use on floors as well as walls or ceilings. In this example, the panels have even been used for desks, too!

This much matching doesn't have to look dull or repetitive — this concept shows the natural wood grain juxtaposed with ultra-modern bright white panels for a bold and memorable design. 

The “Room Within a Room” Effect

Not every part of a room has to use the same design and interior decorative surfaces, especially when working with a larger space. Strategically placed floor-to-ceiling wall panels combined with matching ceiling panels can create a sense of separation when needed.

In this example, Coastal Allure embedded grain wood ceiling panels bring a calming, natural touch to this corner of a more utilitarian monochrome space. This approach enables interior designers to create a “room within a room” effect, where a section of a larger room can be made distinct. As well as in workspaces, this design can be used in the home to separate the food preparation and dining areas of an open-plan kitchen. 

Try Out Wood Ceiling Panels for Your Next Interior Design Project

Decorative wood panels are ideal for ceilings as well as walls and furniture, and Panasphere’s range of panels is extensive and fashionable. We know that the right panels can really make a statement and transform a living space — that’s why our range of colors and textures to choose from is carefully selected. 

Our panels are not just unique and elegant, but also strong, practical and environmentally sustainable due to our advanced thermal fusing process that goes into each panel we produce. Our TFL panels are also more affordable than those constructed using standard HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) processes.

What’s more, we can work side by side with you to bring your clients results that match their personal visions, however complex the scope of your project. If you have an interior design project that you need help with, why not contact us?

If you are interested in Panasphere TFL ceiling panels, we have samples available so that you can see and touch the material in person before making a decision. Choose up to 5 free samples to arrive at any address in the U.S. within 10 business days.